Gannon House & Shop

Item details


Name of item:	Gannon House & Shop
Other name/s:	Michael Gannon's House / La Renaissance Patisserie
Type of item:	Built
Group/Collection:	Residential buildings (private)
Category:	Other - Residential Buildings (private)
Location:	Lat: -33.8593788848 Long: 151.2082441690
Primary address:	45-47 Argyle Street, The Rocks, NSW 2000
Parish:	St Philip
County:	Cumberland
Local govt. area:	Sydney
Local Aboriginal Land Council:	Metropolitan

Property description

Lot/Volume Code	Lot/Volume Number	Plan/Folio Code	Plan/Folio Number
PART LOT	1	DP	773812
LOT	3	DP	773812
PART LOT	4	DP	773812
LOT	5	DP	773812
LOT	7	DP	773812

Boundary:

Eora

All addresses

Street Address	Suburb/town	LGA	Parish	County	Type
45-47 Argyle Street	The Rocks	Sydney	St Philip	Cumberland	Primary Address

Owner/s

Organisation Name	Owner Category	Date Ownership Updated
Place Management NSW	State Government

Statement of significance:


	Gannon House and Shop and site are of State heritage significance for their historical, aesthetic and scientific cultural values. The site and building are also of State heritage significance for their associations with the early development of the precinct and contribution to The Rocks area and local personalities such as Greenway, Unwin and Gannon. The buildings provide important evidence of the architecture, building practices and economy of the late 1830s and 1840s. No 45 in particular is significant as a largely intact and complete example of a residence from that period. Nos 45-47 Argyle St is a rare example of dwelling with attached 'office/shop' which demonstrates the social and economic climate of the area at this time. The changes to the shopfront and rear of No 47 represent the changing requirements and development of the commercial use of the building which is also reflective of the changes in the precinct and local area. Gannon House and Shop are prominent elements in the eastern section of Argyle St primarily due to their modest scale and location surrounded by larger, more elaborately detailed buildings. They are the only survivors from the 1840s development on the south eastern section of Argyle St and make a positive contribution to varied character and historical nature of the precinct.
	Date significance updated: 22 Jan 09
	Note: The State Heritage Inventory provides information about heritage items listed by local and State government agencies. The State Heritage Inventory is continually being updated by local and State agencies as new information becomes available. Read the Department of Premier and Cabinet copyright and disclaimer.

Description


Designer/Maker:	Michael Gannon
Builder/Maker:	Michael Gannon
Construction years:	1839-1840
Physical description:	The buildings comprise a two storey structure, comprising a wide U shape with the base towards Argyle Street, and are effectively one structure and form, identified as such by the shopfront of No 47 and the windows either side of the centrally placed doorway of No 45. This integrated construction is consistent with a low-cost development of the property. A low parapet with box gutter behind conceals the main hipped roof parallel to the street, which returns over the rear of No 45, while that of No 47 is covered by skillion roofs The rear wings enclose a courtyard. The ground floor is of stone and the first floor of brick construction with stud internal walls with lathe and plaster linings, all of which suggest a cost-conscious approach. While No.45 is extremely intact both externally and internally in form and layout, the fabric detail of No.47 is consistent with a major reconstruction of the rear wing in the late 19th century. Though adaptation of service rooms on each floor has taken place, the majority of rooms remain in their original format, with much of their original detail fabric quite intact, if covered by layers of subsequent paint decoration. The combination and juxtaposition of materials and their use is of great interest in understanding buildings of this type. (Moore 1992: 34, 44-46) Style: Georgian; Storeys: No:45 - 2 floors 7 rooms; No: 47 - 2 floors 3 rooms; Internal Walls: Lathe and plaster linings; Roof Cladding: Galvanised iron and galvanised steel sheet, fixed over extensive remnants of the original timber shingle roof.; Internal Structure: Timber-frame; Floor Frame: Ground floor stone - first floor brick construction; Roof Frame: Shingled Archaeology notes: c. 1839. Two storey buildings. Vestiges of another building along western wall of courtyard.; Built By: 1840's
Physical condition and/or Archaeological potential:	Archaeological Assessment Condition: Partly disturbed. Assessment Basis: Cellar under part of No. 45. Rear courtyard terraced into slope.
	Date condition updated:27 Apr 01
Modifications and dates:	A Trig survey of 1858 showed the buildings in similar configuration though walls of the outbuildings differed from the 1844 plan. A small addition had been made at the south-east corner of Gannon's own building (No.45). By 1865, the workshop and stable built by Gannon has been removed, and additional outbuildings and rooms had been added at the rear of both buildings. According to a photograph, the main change appears to have been that the shingle roof had been replaced by a new roof of corrugated iron. Multiple-paned glass sashes were situated in all the window openings. The ground floor windows were protected by shutters. (Moore 1992: 15)
Further information:	Archaeological resource on footpath to Argyle Street disturbed to 350mm below footpath surface. Archaeological monitoring program Nov 07


Current use:	Gallery, Shop / Cafe - Patisserie-Offices
Former use:	Aboriginal land, town lot, two dwelling houses - Workshop and stable to rear

History

Historical notes:

The "Eora people" was the name given to the coastal Aborigines around Sydney. Central Sydney is therefore often referred to as "Eora Country". Within the City of Sydney local government area, the traditional owners are the Cadigal and Wangal bands of the Eora. There is no written record of the name of the language spoken and currently there are debates as whether the coastal peoples spoke a separate language "Eora" or whether this was actually a dialect of the Dharug language. Remnant bushland in places like Blackwattle Bay retain elements of traditional plant, bird and animal life, including fish and rock oysters (Anita Heiss, "Aboriginal People and Place", Barani: Indigenous History of Sydney City http://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/barani).

With the invasion of the Sydney region, the Cadigal and Wangal people were decimated but there are descendants still living in Sydney today. All cities include many immigrants in their population. Aboriginal people from across the state have been attracted to suburbs such as Pyrmont, Balmain, Rozelle, Glebe and Redfern since the 1930s. Changes in government legislation in the 1960s provided freedom of movement enabling more Aboriginal people to choose to live in Sydney (Anita Heiss, "Aboriginal People and Place", Barani: Indigenous History of Sydney City http://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/barani).

The site had originally been part of the Hospital grounds, as part of the Assistant Surgeons residence and garden. When the hospital moved to Macquarie St the site and residence was occupied by Francis Greenway as part of his salary as colonial architect under Governor Macquarie. When he was dismissed in 1822 he claimed that the residence and land had been promised to him by Macquarie. It appears even though the Government tried to repossess the site Greenway remained there until c1834. The subject site lays just to the east of the residence.

Land title documents indicate that an allotment of land bounded by Argyle and Harrington Streets, Harrington Lane and Greenway's residence was leased by Governor Brisbane in 1823 to John Gleeson, a labourer for a period of twenty one years. By 1826 the lease was apparently conveyed to Thomas Ryan, however no record of the transfer has been located.

In 1830 William Reynolds apparently purchased part of the land from Ryan for (Pounds)100 and in the same year the subdivided land on the corner of Argyle and Harrington Streets was sold by Ryan to Fredrick Unwin. Unwin leased part of the site and building that occupied it, a stone tenement and boarding house to Caleb Slater who conducted a public house called the Kings Head. When City Section 84 was drawn up in 1834 most of the land between Harrington and George Streets on the southern side of Argyle St was claimed by Francis Greenway.

Greenway was unable to prove his title to the land and it was sold to Unwin for (Pounds)2,820 by the Colonial government. By 1840, only a few years after the sale, hotels stood on both the Harrington & George St corners of the block. In 1839 he leased about two thirds of his allotment to Michael Gannon for 21 years for a ground rent of (Pounds)170 year. The lease required that Gannon build and erect on the line of frontage to George St within two years as many houses that could occupy the frontage, three storeys exclusive of cellars and built of 'substantially of good materials'.

In accordance with the lease Gannon built on the Argyle St part of the allotment very quickly and he had constructed the New York Hotel on the corner of Argyle and George Streets which opened in Feb 1841. The two houses on the subject site in Argyle St were built by Gannon from 1839-1840. Gannon's workshops (builder, manufacturer of coffins) and timber yard occupied the rear of the premises, as did a number of other tenants.

Gannon was bankrupted in the 1840s depression and his estate seized in 1845, and besides personal possessions everything including household furniture was sold to pay off his creditors at auction. The family left the Argyle St property in late 1845 and settled permanently on the Cooks River.

JS Hanson appears to have the leasehold on the two houses until 1860 when the original 21 year lease expired. The 1858 Trig survey shows that little had changed on the site since Gannon left the properties. The buildings were used for both residential and commercial used. In 1858 No 45 was a boarding house and No 47 housed a bootmaker.

The 1865 Trig survey indicates that the workshops and stables constructed by Gannon had been demolished, the residence expanded with the construction of a rear wing and outbuilding and a number of sheds are attached to the eastern wall. The shingle roof had been replaced with corrugated iron by this time.

The buildings were purchased by William Yeoman in July 1870, he occupied part of the site with his business. In July 1885 John Gill, a pastoralist from Moonbi, purchased the buildings and land. He had it surveyed and measured to ensure the description on the deeds was accurate. Gill died in 1889 but the properties remained with his trustees until the site was resumed after the plague broke out in 1900.

The Crown formally acquired the site in 1903. The Rocks area was administered by the Government from that time, beginning with the Sydney Harbour Trust, then the Maritime Services Board.

45-47 Argyle St. are absolutely typical of the smaller, less pretentious but still ambitious development taking place in Sydney and The Rocks of the 1840s. Comparison with like buildings of the period is getting more difficult as they have become rarer, but 'lesser quality' residential buildings such as Susannah Place (1844) and more substantial houses of Argyle Place put Nos. 45-47 in context.

The building's location and changing uses in the Rocks provide further evidence of the historical development of the area, across the Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries, in terms of its changing fabric, and the changes in its function as firstly the centre, and later an adjunct, of the City of Sydney itself. Its survival retains the presence of the earliest consolidation of the area, its later more intense development in the mid-Nineteenth century, through government acquisition for 'slum management' in 1903. The buildings have the great ability to reveal information about themselves and their construction, and archaeologically important in this regard. (Moore 1992: 6-15)

[Archaeological History - Part of Hospital garden 1795-1816 (See also: AR038-039; AR045; AR057; AR061-070; AR073-074; AR078-079; AR084-085; AR126; AR129; AR131-132; AR149). Francis Greenway (See also: AR057; AR062; AR078) in occupation of the site from 1815. Granted to Frederick Wright Unwin (See also: AM064; AM119-120; AM161; AR062; AR078) on 15 December 1838.]

Historic themes

Australian theme (abbrev)	New South Wales theme	Local theme
1. Environment-Tracing the evolution of a continent's special environments	Environment - naturally evolved-Activities associated with the physical surroundings that support human life and influence or shape human cultures.	Changing the environment-
2. Peopling-Peopling the continent	Aboriginal cultures and interactions with other cultures-Activities associated with maintaining, developing, experiencing and remembering Aboriginal cultural identities and practices, past and present.	(none)-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Agriculture-Activities relating to the cultivation and rearing of plant and animal species, usually for commercial purposes, can include aquaculture	(none)-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Commerce-Activities relating to buying, selling and exchanging goods and services	commerce-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Environment - cultural landscape-Activities associated with the interactions between humans, human societies and the shaping of their physical surroundings	Developing local, regional and national economies-National Theme 3
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Health-Activities associated with preparing and providing medical assistance and/or promoting or maintaining the well being of humans	Caring for the sick in hospitals-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Health-Activities associated with preparing and providing medical assistance and/or promoting or maintaining the well being of humans	Operating public hospitals-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Accommodation-Activities associated with the provision of accommodation, and particular types of accommodation – does not include architectural styles – use the theme of Creative Endeavour for such activities.	(none)-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Accommodation-Activities associated with the provision of accommodation, and particular types of accommodation – does not include architectural styles – use the theme of Creative Endeavour for such activities.	Worker's Dwellings-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Accommodation-Activities associated with the provision of accommodation, and particular types of accommodation – does not include architectural styles – use the theme of Creative Endeavour for such activities.	Building settlements, towns and cities-National Theme 4
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Accommodation-Activities associated with the provision of accommodation, and particular types of accommodation – does not include architectural styles – use the theme of Creative Endeavour for such activities.	A Picturesque Residential Suburb-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Accommodation-Activities associated with the provision of accommodation, and particular types of accommodation – does not include architectural styles – use the theme of Creative Endeavour for such activities.	Housing (inner city)-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Accommodation-Activities associated with the provision of accommodation, and particular types of accommodation – does not include architectural styles – use the theme of Creative Endeavour for such activities.	Housing ordinary families-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Accommodation-Activities associated with the provision of accommodation, and particular types of accommodation – does not include architectural styles – use the theme of Creative Endeavour for such activities.	Adapted heritage building or structure-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Land tenure-Activities and processes for identifying forms of ownership and occupancy of land and water, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal	Early land grants-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Land tenure-Activities and processes for identifying forms of ownership and occupancy of land and water, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal	Changing land uses - from suburban to urban-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Land tenure-Activities and processes for identifying forms of ownership and occupancy of land and water, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal	Changing land uses - from rural to suburban-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Land tenure-Activities and processes for identifying forms of ownership and occupancy of land and water, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal	Resuming private lands for public purposes-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Land tenure-Activities and processes for identifying forms of ownership and occupancy of land and water, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal	Administering and alienating Crown lands-
7. Governing-Governing	Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities.	State government-
7. Governing-Governing	Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities.	Developing roles for government - conserving cultural and natural heritage-
7. Governing-Governing	Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities.	Developing roles for government - administration of land-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups	Associations with Francis Greenway, emancipist architect-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups	Associations with Michael Gannon, builder-

Assessment of significance


SHR Criteria a) [Historical significance]	The site is historically significant as part of the first hospital and site of the surgeon’s residence and garden,. From 1816, on relocation of the hospital to Macquarie St, it became part of a contested and sought after address and valuable piece of real estate in what was fast becoming the commercial heart of Sydney. The site was a part of a larger land holding developed by FW Unwin by lease arrangement with local builder Michael Gannon form 1839, who as attracted to the site’s prime location, close to the centre of mercantile and shipping activities. The buildings were constructed as a dwelling with workshops and stables at the rear and attached ‘dwelling or office’ in recognition of this prominent address, growth and development of the area and also demonstrated the building practices of the time and economy of the situation. Gannon constructed a number of ‘speculative’ buildings on the land in the same sound, simple and contemporary style. The buildings continued to be used for both residential and commercial purposes will into the 20th century and are historically significant as they demonstrate local life from the time of their construction and later evolution of the local area and shift from mixed use to solely commercial use, by the adaptation of both Nos 45 and 46 and additions to the rear of No 47.
SHR Criteria b) [Associative significance]	The site is part of land associated with Francis Greenway, the first Colonial Architect, who was unable to prove his ownership of the land and forced to relinquish his claim. It was subsequently purchased by FW Unwin, prominent businessman, who was responsible for the development of the Argyle Stores complex among other business ventures in the colony. The site was leased to and developed by Michael Gannon, a recognised local builder and developer. The buildings were constructed by Gannon in 1839-40 as part of the lease agreement with Unwin and served as his workplace and residence until 1845. The site and buildings were subsequently associated with a number of local identities and land owners until 1900, when they were resumed and vested with the Sydney Harbour Trust. The buildings have since been associated with Maritime Services Board, Sydney Cove Redevelopment Authority and Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority who have all managed the use and maintenance of the site and buildings and surrounding area.
SHR Criteria c) [Aesthetic significance]	Gannon House and Shop is a rare surviving example of a single dwelling with attached shop that demonstrates the early 19th century construction techniques, finishes and economy. The building illustrates simple Georgian style with little ornamentation and incorporates standard techniques and finishes with reflects the ‘speculative’ nature of the overall development. The form of the buildings, construction to the street frontage, lack of garden and incorporation of the ‘office/shop’ represents recognition of the prime address and a shift in the style of residential accommodation during this period as the land in the area became more developed and densely populated. Gannon House and Shop are prominent elements in the eastern section of Argyle St primarily due to their modest scale and location surrounded by larger, more elaborately detailed buildings. They are the only survivors from 1840s development on the south eastern section of Argyle St and make a positive contribution to varied character and historical nature of the precinct.
SHR Criteria d) [Social significance]	Gannon House and Shop has been part of a busy and active precinct since 1840 and is associated with a number of owner-occupiers and tenants who were part of a closely knit working class neighbourhood. The alterations and adaptations of the buildings, particularly to No 47, represents to the ongoing commercial use of the buildings and development of the area. The building remains part of an active commercial ‘community’ and is now also part of a busy tourist precinct and can be interpreted as part of the historic fabric of the area.
SHR Criteria e) [Research potential]	Gannon House, No 45 Argyle St is largely intact and as such demonstrates the architecture of the late 1830s and 1840s and domestic standards, spatial requirements and way of life and attitudes of its occupants from this time. The finishes and fabric of the building provides a valuable resource and reference to the type of interior decorations common to working class houses. The attached ‘dwelling or office’ and shop No 47 Argyle St, also demonstrated the growth and development of the area as a changing commercial centre. The successive additions and alterations demonstrate the changing requirements and evolution of the area into a tourist precinct. The changes to the surrounding area and rear site boundaries also demonstrate changes land ownership and development of the area. The rear courtyard behind the buildings and neighbouring properties contain a unique resource for interpretation of these changes. Whilst partly disturbed, archaeological resources relating to the 1839-40s development of the site remain below the courtyard paving. Evidence relating to the earlier use and fabric of the building also significantly remains in the basement, walls and roof cavities.
SHR Criteria f) [Rarity]	Gannon House and Shop is a rare surviving example of a single dwelling with attached shop constructed in 1839-40 and only surviving part of the grouping of buildings constructed by Gannon and the area bounded by George, Harrington and Argyle Streets. The other buildings have been demolished or redeveloped. No 45 Argyle St in particular generally retains its original form and internal layout. There are a number of dwellings and terraces dating from the same period remaining, however, these vary in scale and detail and do not have the some relationship between dwelling and shop.
SHR Criteria g) [Representativeness]	Gannon House and Shop is important as it demonstrates the growth and in particular the commercial development of the local area. The building form and use was influenced by its vicinity to what was the centre of mercantile and shipping activities in the colony with more recent adaptation of the building influence by its role in an active historic precinct and tourist destination.
Integrity/Intactness:	Archaeology partly disturbed, however potential resources remain in rear yards and underfloor deposits. Archaeological resource on footpath to Argyle Street disturbed to 350mm below footpath surface. Archaeological monitoring program Nov 07
Assessment criteria:	Items are assessed against the State Heritage Register (SHR) Criteria to determine the level of significance. Refer to the Listings below for the level of statutory protection.

Recommended management:

Nos. 45-47 Argyle Street should be conserved and used for purposes compatible with the importance and significance of their fabric. The exterior of the buildings should be conserved, with no further adaptation of the exterior of No.45 to take place. Subject to the conclusion of present agreements and related concessions, further intervention with the exterior of No.47 should be confined to the reversal of previous confusing works, and maintenance. Use and adaptation for use of the building's interiors should involve minimal or no further intervention with the building's fabric and no loss of the evidence of their evolution. All further intervention should wherever possible, be reversible. Full documentation and recording to appropriate professional standards for conservation work, should be a pre-requisite of any work upon the building. Uses which may be proposed for the buildings should be assessed on their demand for any adaptation of the fabric, or risk of damage to that fabric. In particular, there should be minimal intervention with the fabric of No.45 other than for preservation purposes. The compatibility of any use with access by the public, and with the interpretation of the buildings' significance should also be considered in assessing the appropriateness of that use. Any development activity on adjacent or nearby sites should take into account the significance of the buildings; this particularly important with the rear yards inside the block, but also applies to the front of the property, and the footpath in front of the buildings. - Any redevelopment activity within the vicinity of the buildings should respect the historic frontage lines of development and the townscape/streetscape contributions of the subject buildings. - No action or intervention which would diminish the capacity of the setting of the buildings, including Greenway Lane, to illustrate the buildings' history and that of the area in general, should be permitted. (Moore 1992: 55-56, see also 57-58) Above and below ground archaeological remains: An archaeological conservation plan is recommended.

Procedures /Exemptions

Section of act	Description	Title	Comments	Action date
57(2)	Exemption to allow work	Standard Exemptions	HERITAGE ACT 1977 ORDER UNDER SECTION 57(2) TO GRANT STANDARD EXEMPTIONS FROM APPROVAL I, Penny Sharpe, the Minister for Heritage, on the recommendation of the Heritage Council of New South Wales and under section 57(2) of the Heritage Act 1977: revoke the order made on 2 June 2022 and published in the Government Gazette Number 262 of 17 June 2022; and grant an exemption from section 57(1) of the Act in respect of the engaging in or carrying out the class of activities described in clause 2 Schedule A in such circumstances specified by the relevant standards in clause 2 Schedule A and General Conditions in clause 3 Schedule A. This Order takes effect on the date it is published in the NSW Government Gazette. Dated this 29th day of October 2025 The Hon Penny Sharpe MLC Minister for Heritage For more information on standard exemptions click on the link below.	Nov 7 2025

Standard exemptions for engaging in or carrying out activities / works otherwise prohibited by section 57(1) of the Heritage Act 1977

Listings

Heritage Listing	Listing Title	Listing Number	Gazette Date	Gazette Number	Gazette Page
Heritage Act - State Heritage Register		01548	10 May 02	85	2865

Study details

Title	Year	Number	Author	Inspected by	Guidelines used
SCA Register 1979-1998	1998	B003, AR058	Sydney Cove Authority (SCA)		Yes

References, internet links & images

Type	Author	Year	Title	Internet Links
Management Plan			Grants index.
Tourism		2007	Gannon House & Shop	View detail
Tourism	Attraction Homepage	2007	Gannon House & Shop	View detail
Written	Permual Murphy Alessi, Heritage Consultants	2007	Conservation Management Plan, Gannon House and Shop, Nos 45-47 Argyle St, The Rocks
Written	Robert A Moore Pty Ltd with Terry Kass	1992	Conservation Plan - 45-47 Argyle Street, The Rocks
Written	SCRA	1978	Building Data Sheets HP24 & HP25

Note: internet links may be to web pages, documents or images.

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Data source


The information for this entry comes from the following source:
Name:	Heritage NSW
Database number:	5053164

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